The cosmetic doctor details the benefits of her go-to anti-ageing treatment, as well as the natural ingredients she’s touting as alternatives.
The dermatologist explains that retinoids have “stood the test of time,” even calling them her “personal holy grail” in her beauty routine.
Singapore-based beauty expert Dr Rachel Ho specialises in helping people achieve beautiful skin.
She runs an educational blog filled with beauty tips, information on hot trends, skincare reviews, and more.
In a post on anti-aging, Dr. Ho extolled retinoids derived from vitamin A.
She also gave her opinion on the much talked about alternatives to retinol.
what is that?
“When it comes to anti-aging skincare, there’s one ingredient that has stood the test of time,” she says.
She explained that retinoids, such as retinol, are “one of the most common choices among physicians” for treating dark spots, acne, and improving the overall appearance of pores.
The expert added that they are also his “personal Holy Grail.”
However, while retinoids are effective, they can also cause unwanted side effects, such as dryness, flaking, and peeling.
Most Read Hair & Beauty Articles
But now there are promising new options.
According to Dr. Ho, bactiol is “a plant-derived ingredient that’s been described as a natural alternative to retinol.”
He explained that it also has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which help reduce redness and other negative effects associated with retinoids.
While there is currently limited research into drugs extracted from plants, Dr Ho said they “have a long history of use in Ayurvedic medicine”.
With frequent use, the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and pigmentation will be reduced in about 12 weeks.
Is it better?
Although there are many positive reviews, the long-term effects are still unknown.
Dr. Ho cited a study published in the British Journal of Dermatology in 2018 in which 44 subjects applied 0.05% bactiol cream or 0.05% retinol once daily.
“Both patient groups experienced similar improvements in pigmentation and wrinkles,” she said.
“Patients taking bactiol experienced fewer side effects, such as stinging and peeling skin.”
Anti-Aging Tips
*Clicking on links in this article may earn us affiliate commission.
- Keep your skin hydrated from the inside by drinking water and from the outside by using a moisturizer.
- Be sure to use sunscreen even if you are not in direct sunlight.
- Use Vitamin C to brighten your skin and don’t forget to apply it to your neck.
- Argireline Solution 10%, $9.70, The Ordinary
- The Inkey List Hyaluronic Acid Moisturizing Face Serum, $10, Sephora
- The Inkey List Caffeine Depuffing + Dark Circle Eye Cream, $11, Sephora
- CeraVe Anti-Aging Retinol Serum, $12, Walmart
- CeraVe Vitamin C Serum with Hyaluronic Acid, $14.58, Amazon
- Boost Lab Neck Firming Serum, $29.99, Amazon
- Sea cucumber collagen anti-aging cream,
$88$70, Besher
Dr. Ho noted that the daily dose of bactiol is twice the amount of retinol typically recommended.
“I wouldn’t say it’s as effective as retinol,” she explained.
“The more useful conclusion to draw from this study is that it causes less irritation and side effects.”
This study was done on retinol only, so the full effectiveness for retinoids is still unknown.
